Gold Nanoparticle Ensembles on Optical Plasmon Capillaries for Virus/DNA Sensing

University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville AR

Investigators

Abstract

This study is aimed at detecting and distinguishing virus serotypes inside silicon capillaries using light interacting with free electrons on structured arrays of nanoparticles. Arrays are formed by a ¡¥bottom-up¡¦ method to provide unique spectral sensitivity and heat dissemination. Arrays will be tuned to control light-electron interactions using new solution to Maxwell¡¦s Equations and a novel calorimeter to detect viral DNA at ?T10 femtomolar (fM) in ?T10 minutes using ?T10 mW. The proposed research is expected to develop rapid, inexpensive, virus/DNA sensors to replace existing immunoassays or genotyping methods that are slow, insensitive and capital-intensive. Its technical impact arises from applications of light-electron interactions to develop photonic circuits, high-density magneto-optic data storage, near-field optical microscopy, and terahertz imaging. This investigation will educate two underrepresented graduate students in active nanostructures and biophotonics in a campus-wide initiative to fabricate and analyze nano-scale devices and materials. Its social impact includes having undergraduates demonstrate sensors in hands-on instructional modules prepared for classroom and hands-on lab experiences for community-college and high-school students as part of a 5-year NSF-sponsored collaboration co-initiated by the PI to double enrollment and retention of students underrepresented in STEM courses.